The US Postal Service® does not maintain personal mailboxes: The property owner is responsible for the repair of personal boxes.
In a residential neighborhood where you own the mailbox (like a curbside mailbox), you are responsible for repairs. Conversely, if you live in an apartment building, that responsibility will typically fall on your landlord.
Ownership: If the mailbox is on private property, the homeowner is generally responsible for its maintenance and replacement. If it's part of a community or managed property, the homeowners' association (HOA) may have guidelines.
Yes, homeowners insurance typically covers mailboxes under other structures coverage. The damage to the mailbox must be caused by a covered peril. Your deductible will most likely be higher than the cost of replacing your mailbox. If that is the case, then filing a claim is a waste of time. Hope this helps!
Simply put, USPS is liable for damaged property and you may file a tort claim to request compensation for your loss.
Although mailboxes are the responsibility of the customer/property owner as defined U.S. Postal Service™ Post Office Manual Section 632, mailboxes are considered federal property, and federal law (Title 18, United States Code, Section 1705), makes it a crime to vandalize them (or to injure, deface or destroy any mail ...
While the USPS sets specific standards and regulations for mailboxes, the homeowner or property owner owns the physical mailbox. This ownership provides the freedom to select the design and location of your mailbox, provided it follows USPS regulations.
U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS)
Typical losses covered include: A fence or mailbox you hit while parking. A ball cracks a neighbor's window. Windshield damage from debris flying off your car.
If you have information on mailbox vandalism or mail theft in your area, report it to your local Post Office™ or to the Postal Inspection Service at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).
Important: Before installing, moving or replacing your mailbox or mailbox support, you will need to contact your Postmaster or mailperson from your local Post Office™. All mailboxes must be approved by the Postal Service™. Custom made mailboxes will be approved by the Postmaster if they meet established standards.
Will Mail Still Be Delivered If The Mailbox Is Broken? The short answer is no, you will not receive mail if your box is damaged or broken. The USPS will inform you that your mailbox is unserviceable and thereafter they will hold your mail at the local post office for 2 weeks.
Mailbox purchases should never be the responsibility of the individual homeowners. The only way to provide and maintain uniformity in your neighborhood is for the HOA dues to cover the replacement of mailboxes.
It may seem like fun to vandalize a mailbox or drop a firecracker into a blue USPS collection box, but it is actually a criminal act that affects your neighbors and your community. Mail cannot be delivered to a damaged mailbox, and mailboxes cost money to replace.
The US Postal Service® does not maintain personal mailboxes: The property owner is responsible for the repair of personal boxes.
Damaging a mailbox is a federal crime
This law applies regardless of the type of mail damaged, whether it's documents, prescription medicine or written correspondence.
Not having a proper mailbox is a violation and the unit is considered uninhabitable according to CA law.
The Postal Service offers no-fee post office (PO) box service to customers who do not receive any form of carrier delivery. Customers apply for the no-fee PO box service by completing an application and providing identification to a Postal Service employee.
Whether it's for your home or business, it's a simple process that you can easily accomplish in a few hours. Before we get into how to replace a mailbox, you'll want to make sure you order a new one and have it before you begin.
Like cluster mailboxes, community mailboxes are typically maintained and repaired by the property owner or HOA. While the USPS manages mail delivery, the upkeep of the mailbox unit falls under the responsibility of the community that uses it.
Mailboxes owned and maintained by the United States Postal Service ( USPS ) should have the picture of the U.S. Postal Service Eagle or a statement similar to "Property of United States Postal Service" on the side.
Once you install your mailbox, and it is ready for the receipt of mail, you effectively lease your mailbox to the federal government for the service of mail delivery. Let's not forget that, as long as you have an up-to-code mailbox, receiving mail is a free service.